Artist – Ringo Starr
Album – Look Up
Released – 10th January 2025
Reviewer – Helen Maw, Liverpool Acoustic
Ringo Starr’s Look Up is a gentle, reflective, and emotionally rich exploration of Country, showcasing the former Beatle’s deep connection with his musical peers and his ability to craft heartfelt melodies. The album stands as a testament to Starr’s enduring musical journey, offering a pleasant and introspective jewel in the crown of his illustrious career.
With a stellar cast of collaborators, including renowned artists like Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle and Alison Krauss. Look Up is a masterclass in subtlety and sincerity, blending country rhythms with Ringo’s signature voice in a way that feels both timeless and refreshing.
Opening with Breathless featuring the virtuoso talents of Billy Strings, the album sets a warm and welcoming tone. The track’s lively acoustic guitar-driven rhythm offers an infectious energy that carries through much of the album, while Ringo’s vocals retain a sense of effortless charm. The country textures create an ideal backdrop for Starr’s laid-back yet expressive delivery.
Look Up, the title track and also a standout on the album with Molly Tuttle, showcases a slightly more introspective side. The collaboration here is seamless, with Tuttle’s earthy voice perfectly complementing Starr’s. The song’s lyrics speak to themes of hope and personal reflection, as if urging the listener to search for something greater above and beyond the noise of everyday life; “Look Up, Love is the higher power”.
As the album progresses, tracks like Come Back featuring Lucius and Can You Hear Me Call, again featuring Tuttle, stand out for their harmonic richness and understated production. These moments, while reflective, showcase Starr’s ability to take a step back and allow his collaborators to shine, resulting in a dynamic listening experience. The lush vocal arrangements and gentle instrumental choices throughout these songs help to elevate the emotional depth of the album.
One of the album’s most touching moments comes in Thankful featuring Alison Krauss. The beautiful harmonies between Starr and Krauss create a sense of sonic peace that resonates deeply. A song that’s both simple and profound, it echoes the themes of appreciation that have shaped Starr’s career.
Look Up is a celebration of both musical collaboration and the simple pleasures of life, inviting listeners into Ringo Starr’s world filled with reflection and warmth. The album’s honesty and simplicity make it an easy listen, yet its depth of emotion and artistry ensure that it lingers long after the final note. There’s no grand statement here, just a deeply personal collection of songs from an artist who has always been about the music and the moment. With his first long release in over 6 years, Starr highlights the beauty in slowing down, appreciating connections we make in life and sharing love with those around us. It is a fitting addition to his extensive musical catalogue and an album that will resonate with listeners for a long time to come, it is as timeless as the artist himself.
Helen Maw
Review © 2025 Helen Maw, Liverpool Acoustic
Look Up is available to buy from all good digital download sites.